NWC News Desk

All you ever wanted to know about eBay

Posted April 22, 2010

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POWELL, Wyo. - The ins 'n outs of eBay will be explored in two-evening workshops offered by Northwest College in Powell and Cody during May.

The Powell sessions will meet on Tuesdays, May 4 and 18, in the Center for Training and Development on NWC's West Campus. Cody workshops are scheduled for Tuesdays, May 11 and 25, in Room 2208 of the Cody Center, located in the Park County Complex. Classes meet from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at both locations.

Understanding both sides of the eBay experience-buying and selling-will be covered by instructor Bill Hoagland, NWC associate professor of English and a part-time entrepreneur. Hoagland began selling on eBay in 1999 in order to, as he puts it, "Send a son to an awfully expensive, private west coast college." He continues to sell on eBay as a specialist in vintage menswear. With a spotless positive feedback rating, Hoagland's pleased well over 3,000 customers.

Part one of the workshop on May 4 covers how to make wise purchases on the Internet's largest marketplace.

"Individuals or businesses seeking to become an eBay seller should learn what the eBay experience is like from the buyer's perspective," Hoagland emphasized.

Workshop attendees will learn the importance of how to establish themselves as trustworthy to the international audience of buyers. The workshop's first segment covers creating an eBay account, working with the PayPal online payment system, evaluating sellers, researching best products and best prices, establishing trust and safety, understanding rights and obligations as an eBay buyer, avoiding scams, and leaving public feedback for the benefit of others.

Armed with Hoagland's advice on buying on eBay, attendees will be ready to learn about selling their products.

"Building on what you learn in part one of the workshops, the May 18 session is essential in helping you succeed as a seller," Hoagland explained.

Second session topics include speaking the language of eBay seller success, determining a buying audience, tailoring ads to attract buyers, getting eBay and other search engines to work for you, using photos efficiently, successfully maneuvering through eBay's seller forms, networking with others, working within rules and regulations, keeping eBay and PayPal fees to a minimum, smart shipping solutions, satisfying your buyers to make them repeat customers and avoiding yet more scams.

Cost for each two-evening workshop is $35. For more information or to register, e-mail the Powell office or call (307) 754-6062, or contact the Cody Center by e-mail or at (307) 587-3506.